ALZHEIMER AND PERIONDONTAL DISEASE
EFFECTS ON ALZHEIMER PATIENTS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS
A study carried out by Clínica Sicilia showed that there is a relationship between Alzheimer disease (AD) and Periodontitis.
AD etiology is thought to be tied to brain inflammation, and peripheral infections could contribute to the inflammation of the central nervous system. Periodontitis, a peripheral infection widely spread among population, is caused by anaerobic bacteria able to provoke distant, site or general infections. The relevant thing is its treatable condition and, hence, its modifiable risk factor.
It is also concluded that a reduced number of teeth entails a higher risk of incidence and prevalence of dementia in the future. It was found an association between the number of teeth and dementia or AD.
Finally, caregiving espouses of AD patients are at higher risk of suffering Periodontal Disease than others, because they are subject to chronic stress.
